Peter Voulkos - A Revolution in Clay (Part 2)

In the second of two episodes, Stephanie Rozene and Paul Greenhalgh follow Peter Voulkos through the explosive years that transformed him from master potter into one of the most radical figures in modern ceramics.

From the experimental studios of Otis and Berkeley to his monumental Blackwares, stacks and platters, Voulkos tears, cuts, pounds and rebuilds clay, pushing it far beyond the traditional vessel. His performances become legendary, while a generation of students go on to reshape American ceramics themselves.

But behind the charismatic “wild man” lies a more complicated story of addiction, recovery and relentless creativity. Stephanie and Paul explore Voulkos’s later years and the extraordinary legacy of an artist who changed not simply how ceramics looked, but what clay could be.

Featured Images:

Rocking Pot, 1956, Peter Voulkos.

Pot Shop, UC Berkeley, c. 1960s, Jim Melchert.

Last Temptation of Ming, 2015, Ron Nagle.

Blue Face with White Stripe, 1971, Stephen De Staebler.

Looking at Pictures, 2016, Mary Heilmann.

Installation View of “New Talent XIII”, 1960, Peter Voulkos.

Peter Voulkos at Work in the Faith and Charity in Hope Gallery, 1984, Peter Voulkos.

Sunset Rip, 2008, Mary Heilmann.